Misfits Homebrew and Breckenridge Vanilla Porter Among New Times Beerfest Winners

Forget the drunk fest that the New Times Beerfest used to be, with the longest lines at the light beers that have a faint flavor of something brewed. This year, the crowds seemed to seek out the craft beers, with the longest lines for Brooklyn, Shiner, and Shipyard.

Best Overall Beer: Breckenridge Vanilla PorterHere's a
brew that everyone should like, from the biggest beer snobs to those
who prefer their suds to have a Super Bowl commercial. Breckenridge
Brewery infuses the Vanilla Porter
with vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea and malts that add flavors of
chocolate and caramel. Three types of hops add a bit of bitterness to a
beer that's as sweet as a root-beer float. Forget drinking it just for
dessert -- the Tap 42 booth at Beerfest saw people returning for
multiple pours of the night's best beer.

Best Florida Beer: Misfit Home-Brewers' Bust a Nut PorterWe
know what you're thinking: a beer with peanuts in it, right? Well, this
was an amazingly balanced beer, with a hint of peanut butter that
matched well with the chocolate and spice of the porter. The guys from Misfit Home-Brewers,
a South Florida homebrew club, clearly were having the best time of any
booth at Beerfest, with a few keg stands throughout the night, and they
also beat out some major Florida breweries to claim this award. Our
judges also gave them high marks for a refreshing Wheat-r-Melon, a
Spiced Porter, and a Black Calabasa.

Best Import: LeffeIf you read the reviews of this Belgian blond ale, you'll see words like toffee, banana, earthytones, and citrus. But Leffe isn't
a beer overladen with flavor -- it's a highly drinkable beer fine for a
barbecue or a burger. Next time that friend comes over who drinks
nothing but Blue Moon, buy this fantastic Belgian ale instead.

Any great beers our judges missed? Anything you'd like to see at the 2012 New Times Beerfest? If so, leave your suggestions below in the comments field.